At least 33 persons have died from Saturday’s bandit attack at Runji Village in the Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, according to the Chairman of the local government, Francis Sani.
The victims have been given a mass burial amidst tears by relatives and members of the community who gathered to witness the funeral service.
Sani said that several people sustained injuries after more than 40 houses were burnt down by the attackers.
A resident of the area who pleaded for anonymity in an interview with newsmen disclosed that the hoodlums stormed the village around 9 pm on Saturday night when the villagers were indoors.
“We just heard sounds of gunshots everywhere, it then occurred to us that invaders have taken over our community. At this point, people run into the forest for safety.
The residents call on the security agencies and the government to urgently stop the lingering insecurity in the southern part of Kaduna before they are completely wiped out.
Speaking on the incident on Sunday, Samuel Aruwan, commissioner for internal security and home affairs said “several lives were lost”, adding that preliminary reports indicate that “an unspecified number of houses burnt down”.
“The military has informed the Kaduna State Government of an attack in Runji village, Zangon Kataf LGA, in which several lives were lost on Saturday night,” Aruwan said.
“The preliminary report further informed the government that the attack also left some residents injured and an unspecified number of houses burnt down in the community.
“According to the report, troops had a fierce encounter with the attackers and are still in the general area.
“While waiting for a detailed report, Governor Nasir El-Rufai who received the preliminary report in the early hours of Sunday has condemned the killings as unacceptable and unjustifiable.
“The governor condoled the families that lost their loved ones and prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
He said the Kaduna state government will update the public as soon as detailed reports are received from security agencies.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
